1-150-564 - The Cartoon Collector/Heritage-Images

'The Habitual Criminal Cure', 1869. This cartoon refers to what might be called an early 'stop and search'. Recently, the Habitual Criminals Act passed through the House of Lords. The Act was designed to allow for the suppression of crime by 'old offenders' and authorised their summary apprehension upon any suspicion that they may be intending to commit a crime. Punch, ever on the side of law and order, fully approved this measure saying that, if the law were to take full advantage of its authority, then the criminals would face a choice between honesty and emigration. From Punch, or the London Charivari, March 20, 1869.